Alstom has been awarded one of the largest passenger rail contracts in Canadian history after signing a C$4.7 billion agreement with VIA Rail Canada to deliver a new long-distance fleet that will transform rail travel across the country.
The agreement covers the design, engineering and manufacture of 33 new Adessia rail cars, alongside a 15-year Technical Support and Spare Parts Supply Agreement (TSSSA). Together, the fleet order and support package are valued at approximately C$4.7 billion (€3 billion).
The new Long Distance, Regional and Remote (LDRR) fleet will replace VIA Rail Canada's ageing long-distance rolling stock, some of which dates back 77 years. The trains will operate on eight major routes connecting almost 400 communities, linking destinations including Montréal, Halifax, Gaspé, Jonquière, Senneterre, Toronto, Vancouver, Churchill, Prince Rupert, Jasper, Sudbury and White River.
Designed, engineered and built in Canada, the new fleet is intended to improve connectivity for regional and remote communities, including many First Nations communities, while being capable of operating in some of the country's most challenging climatic conditions.
“This is an emblematic project for Alstom, and we’re honoured to be entrusted by VIA Rail and the federal government with delivering it,” said Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas. “This project marks the beginning of a new chapter between Canada’s national passenger railway company and the country’s local rail manufacturer. Together, we are building a fleet for Canadians, by Canadians, and it will move the country forward for generations to come.”
VIA Rail said the programme represents a significant milestone in the modernisation of its national network while preserving the unique onboard experience associated with Canada's long-distance services.
“Today’s announcement marks a defining step in shaping the future of VIA Rail’s pan-Canadian fleet” said Mathieu Paquette, VIA Rail’s Interim President and CEO. “These new rail cars will retain signature features such as dome cars, full-service dining and social areas, while incorporating modern amenities, improved accessibility, and greater reliability. They will help us preserve essential services to remote communities and elevate the unique onboard experience that allows passengers to discover Canada in a way that only train travel can offer. We are very proud to partner with Alstom to create lasting value for Canadians by having these new cars designed, engineered and manufactured in Canada, and we thank the Government of Canada for this historic investment in the future of passenger rail.”
The Canadian Government has positioned the investment as both a transport modernisation programme and a major boost to domestic manufacturing and employment.
“Canadians deserve a passenger rail system that is modern, reliable and built to serve them for generations to come,” said The Hon. Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons. “This investment delivers exactly that while supporting good-paying Canadian jobs and strengthening our domestic rail manufacturing sector. By assembling these railcars in Thunder Bay and La Pocatière, supported by Canadian design and engineering expertise in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, we are investing in Canadian workers, Canadian innovation and a stronger, more resilient economy.”
New Adessia Fleet to Enhance Passenger Experience
The new Adessia fleet will feature nine vehicle configurations tailored to long-distance, regional and remote journeys. These will include coach, sleeper, accessible, berth, prestige, panorama, dome, dining and baggage cars.
Passengers can expect brighter and more spacious interiors, enhanced accessibility, improved digital connectivity and modern onboard amenities. The fleet will also incorporate advanced cybersecurity systems designed to support safe and reliable operations.
The contract further strengthens Alstom's growing Adessia platform, a family of commuter and passenger rail solutions capable of operating on electrified and non-electrified networks at speeds between 120 km/h and 200 km/h.
Major Economic Boost for Canadian Rail Manufacturing
Beyond the fleet itself, the programme is expected to generate significant economic benefits across Canada's rail manufacturing supply chain.
Alstom estimates the project will support up to 670 direct jobs across its Canadian operations, alongside hundreds of indirect and induced roles throughout the wider supply chain.
Design and engineering work will be undertaken at Alstom's Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville facility in Québec, while carbody manufacturing will take place in La Pocatière and final assembly will be carried out in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
The company believes the project could contribute more than C$1.6 billion (€1 billion) to Canada's GDP, while helping to strengthen the country's rail manufacturing capability and resilience against future supply chain and trade disruptions.
As governments worldwide continue investing in sustainable transport infrastructure, the VIA Rail programme represents a significant endorsement of Canadian rail manufacturing expertise and a major step forward in the renewal of the country's passenger railway network.
Image and Video credit: Alstom
